Crime Processing and Analysis Topic 3

Processing vs Analysis Crime scene investigation comes in two parts. Processing and Analysis

Crime Scenes Not all crimes produce a scene. Two types of crimes DO produce a scene, property crimes and crimes against persons. Property Crime Larceny – theft of personal property Burglary – entry into a building illegally with intent to commit a crime, especially theft. Auto Theft – stealing a vehicle Crimes Against Persons Assault Battery Sexual Assault Robbery Attempted Murder Murder Assault - an attempt to injure to someone else, and in some circumstances can include threats or threatening behavior against others. One common definition would be an intentional attempt, using violence or force, to injure or harm another person. Another straightforward way that assault is sometimes defined is as an attempted battery. Indeed, generally the main distinction between an assault and a battery is that no contact is necessary for an assault, whereas an offensive or illegal contact must occur for a battery. Battery - Although the statutes defining battery will vary by jurisdiction, a typical definition for battery is the intentional offensive or harmful touching of another person without their consent. Under this general definition, a battery offense requires all of the following: intentional touching; the touching must be harmful or offensive; no consent from the victim. Robbery -The taking of money or goods in the possession of another, from his or her person or immediate presence, by force orintimidation.

Additional Crime Scene Distinctions Indoors vs Outdoors Public vs Private Property All these factors effect the scene and how the scene is to be processed. DON’T FORGET! Everything must be acquired legally or else it will be inadmissible in court. This includes any results gained by the illegally acquired evidence.

Initial Actions and Scene Security First Responders - secure the scene All search and Seizure laws must be followed All other action must first be OK’d by the proper authorities and only after the can the investigators take control of the scene. Crime Scene vs. Dump Site Crime Scene – where the crime occurred Dump Site – A secondary location. Not where the crime took place

Steps for Scene Processing and Analysis 1. Scene Survey and Evidence Recognition – A preliminary walkthrough and look at the overall scene to try to establish the type of scene, note any transient evidence(easily destroyed) and get a first impression of the relevant physical evidence. 2. Scene Searches – They usually are only able to search a scene once therefore being thorough is crucial 3. Documentation – 3 or 4 different methods are used ensure a thorough record of the scene. Notes, Sketches, Photography, and Video. The goal is to be able to recreate the scene. Not all things can be bagged and tagged. 4. Evidence Collection and Preservation - ‘bag and tag’ 5. Release the Scene Documentation – Every piece of documentation MUST include date, time, location, case number, person making the record, for items, item number and description. Sketches require a sketcher and a measurer, both named. Sketches – rough and smooth

Crime Scene Sketching

Sketching Methods Triangulation on Two Fixed points Single fixed point and 90-degree wall XY – axis location

Why do we draw the scene?